Brussels, 31/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 31 January, following a meeting with the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Catherine Ashton stated that EU relations with Gulf state countries are “extremely important”. She added: “Since I took office I have been determined to intensify our dialogue and cooperation on many matters of common interest.”
Ashton was delighted with the decision of GCC countries to seek closer co-operation between its six members and stressed her determination to provide support and expertise to these countries in their work. The EU high representative commended the GCC “for its leadership and sustained efforts and we agreed that the international community must continue to cooperate very closely to help Yemen tackle its many challenges”. During their meeting, Ashton and Al-Zayani also discussed Syria, Iran, the Middle East peace process, Libya and the situation in the Gulf region. (CG/transl.fl)